Uba Sani Flags Off 3rd Year of Free Fertilizer Distribution to 150,000 Kaduna Farmers

From Femi Oyelola in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani has launched the distribution of 500 trucks of free fertilizer and tractors to 150,000 smallholder farmers across the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State, marking the third straight year of the state’s direct farm input support program.

The event, held at Murtala Mohammed Square on Saturday, is part of a series of initiatives aimed at easing farmers’ burdens from rising production costs and enhancing food security.

Providing a breakdown, the Governor recalled that in August 2023, his administration distributed 400 trucks of fertilizer free of charge to 100,000 farmers, with each receiving two bags. In 2024, he said the state carried out what he called the *largest fertilizer distribution in its history*, with over 500 trucks and other inputs delivered for the dry season farming.

Describing the program as “one of the most extensive fertilizer support initiatives by any subnational government in Nigeria,” Governor Sani said the goal is to prevent high input costs from forcing farmers to reduce cultivation or abandon their farms.

He disclosed that his team had advised selling the fertilizer at a subsidized rate of N20,000 per bag instead of the government’s purchase price of N56,000.

“But N20,000 is still beyond the reach of most smallholder farmers. And in any case, big-time farmers will buy up the commodity and resell at exorbitant prices, thereby defeating the purpose of subsidy,” he explained.

“That is why we chose to make it completely free.”

The Governor said agriculture now drives Kaduna’s economy, contributing about *43% to the state’s GDP* and employing between *60% and 80% of the active workforce*. He credited the current farming season to improved security, noting that with the cooperation of the people and *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support*, the state has reclaimed 15,000 hectares of farmland previously abandoned due to insecurity.

“Kaduna is blessed with vast landmass and favorable agro-ecological zones. This positions us to ensure food security, provide raw materials for industries, and create jobs through agriculture,” he stated.
The state, he added, remains Nigeria’s leading producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger.

To maintain the achievements, the Sani administration has significantly increased its budget allocation to agriculture.
“When we came in 2023, agriculture received only ₦1.48 billion, about 0.4% of the state budget. We increased it to ₦23.40 billion in 2024 and ₦74.02 billion in 2025. For the 2026 budget, we have committed over ₦100 billion, representing 11.65% of total expenditure — well above the 10% Malabo Declaration benchmark,” he said.

Beyond fertilizer, the Governor said the government is investing across the entire agricultural value chain.
“Farmers need more than fertilizer. They need improved seeds, mechanization, irrigation, extension services, affordable finance, insurance, good roads, and access to markets,” he noted.

He listed key initiatives including: procurement of tractors for mechanization, expansion of veterinary services, vaccination and dairy development, enrollment of over 100,000 farmers into agricultural insurance against floods, drought, and pests, and construction of rural roads to connect farms to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.

Governor Sani also announced two major partnership projects: the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone being carried out with the *Federal Government and African Development Bank*, and the *Africa Quality Assurance Center* to ensure Kaduna’s farm produce meets international standards for export under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He praised President Tinubu for what he called “very strong backing” to Kaduna State.
“All these achievements were made possible thanks to the support we have received from the Federal Government under the able and compassionate leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We remain exceedingly grateful to Mr. President,” he said.

The Governor concluded that agriculture is not just an economic sector but “the meeting point of food security, industrial development, job creation, rural transformation, and social stability.”

“No nation can attain enduring prosperity if it cannot feed itself and provide its farmers with the opportunity not merely to survive but to prosper,” he added.